Even with the rise of cellular communications, radio networks remain an important part of business communications, especially for small businesses such as trucking and security companies. Proper choice, installation and positioning of antennas is crucial to proper operation of radio transmitters, especially if a linear amplifier is used to boost the radio signal. Determining SWR (standing wave ratio) verifies whether an antenna is properly placed. An overly high SWR can actually damage amplifiers and transmitters. You should determine the SWR of your antenna installation in relation to your amplifier before you use your radio equipment.

Turn off your transmitter and linear amplifier and unplug your antenna from your linear transmitter. Set the switch on your SWR meter to FWD.

Connect a jumper cable from the antenna jack on your amplifier to the amplifier or transmitter jack on the SWR meter.

Connect the antenna cable to the antenna jack on the SWR meter.

Turn on your transmitter and then switch your amplifier to the AM mode. Turn on the amplifier if it is not set up to turn on automatically when you power on your transmitter.

Check the SWR meter to make sure it reads less than 2.0. Reposition the antenna or trim the antenna cable to reduce the distance between it and the amplifier if it reads 2.0 or more. Trim the antenna mast or replace the antenna if you cannot get it to read below 2.0 after repeated repositioning.

About the Author

John DeMerceau is an American expatriate entrepreneur, marketing analyst and Web developer. He now lives and works in southeast Asia, where he creates websites and branding/marketing reports for international clients. DeMerceau graduated from Columbia University with a Bachelor of Arts in history.